...restrictive. I tried to comply initially, pay their fees, submit multiple drawings, detailed descriptions, etc., but they were always extremely slow to respond, couldn't give me answers over multiple months due to their willingness to only discuss the issue once per month (and if they had questions, I'd have to wait until the next month), so I finally stopped contacting them on things I wanted to do with my home.

In fact, on the most recent issue, we also contacted the city and were told the same thing. Of course, the problem is that the HOA can have their own rules regardless of what the city tells you. However, we also filed a basic permit with the city and went ahead with the work. I'm always worried some of my neighbors might rat me out and say something to the HOA, but so far, I've gotten away with just about everything recently.

HOAs are mostly worthless.